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Writer's picture@PlaneThought41

Snoopy Sniper: 1/48th ERTL / ESCI F-8E Crusader

This is my 1978 vintage 1/48th ERTL F-8E Crusader kit, which was not much of a kit to write home about back when it was released and certainly isn't anymore, so I won't debate the model kits pros and cons much.


1/48th ERTL / ESCI F-8E Crusader


Notable Kit Features:


  • Basic kit with relatively few parts

  • Engraved and raised surface details

  • Dual Sidewinder mounts provided

  • US Sidewinder and French missile armament provided

  • Option of French or US Navy markings


1/48th ERTL / ESCI F-8E Crusader

Build Inspiration:


I constructed this kit to display the aircraft belonging to Dick Bellinger. The leader of the VF-162 Superheat’s, Commander Richard M. (Dick) Bellinger, was noted for his unquenchable spirit, both ashore and aboard USS Oriskany. Bellinger was 42 during the Oriskany’s 1966 cruise (a fair bit older than the average fighter pilot). Over the years, he had gained a real reputation as a heavy drinker and someone who would overlook the rules from time to time. “Belly,” as he was affectionately known, was a one-of-a-kind fighter pilot who may have seemed somewhat of “throwback” by the 1960’s. He had a notorious reputation as a “raging bull” s and stands out as one of the truly unique characters in U. S. naval aviation history. It’s somewhat amazing that a squadron commander could behave the way he did and still perform as well as he did when it counted. (Have you seen the movie "The Great Santini" with Robert Duvall playing Lieutenant Colonel Wilbur "Bull" Meechum? ...seems like he may have played a similar character.)


On 9 October 1966 Cdr. Bellinger became the first Navy pilot to shoot down a MiG-21. He was flying an F-8E (149159 AH 210) leading three other F-8s as escorts for A-4s from the USS Intrepid. During the flight they were intercepted by a group of MiG-21s which were the newest NVAF aircraft and a real leap in technology. Using two Sidewinder missiles, Bellinger was able to nab one of the MiGs marking the first Navy kill over the new MiG-21.


F-8E Crusader prepares for take off

Heads-Up Report:


  • Crude cockpit and ejection seat

  • There are some shape issues with this kit

  • Heavy handed panel line on port side re-fuel cover bulge

  • Mostly fictional and rather clunky gear bay details

  • Intake and exhaust are very basic and not overly correct

  • No wing fold option

  • Weapons are very basic

  • More toy-like than model like overall


1/48th ERTL / ESCI F-8E Crusader

Kit Additions / Modifications:


  • Built Out-of-Box with the exception of a custom change of the aircraft number and serial number to reflect Bellinger's aircraft


Hind-sight Tip: The model is made up in a dark silver-grey plastic, which would make it possible to apply a light sanding on these panel lines to remove a layer of base paint so as to show the panel lines nicely. 


1/48th ERTL / ESCI F-8E Crusader

Finishing:


At this time I was building "Museum" example kits, so an un-weathered US Navy paint finish was applied utilizing FS 26440 over FS 17875 using oil based paints. The model was gloss coated in preparation for decal application. A dark gray panel line wash was used to bring out the detail of the control surfaces. A semi-matt finish was used for topcoat. The aircraft number was changed from the kit decals (150508 AH202) to reflect Bellinger's "MiG Killer" aircraft (149159 AH 210).


1/48th ERTL / ESCI F-8E Crusader

The After-Build Report:


If you wanted to build a F-8 Crusader you are probably best to look elsewhere. Sure this kit will build up into something resembling a Crusader however the 1/48th ERTL F-8E Crusader kit has been bested by other bargain kits like the 1/48th Monogram. If you want a nice F-8E Crusader kit, look for the Hasegawa version (and their J is also the best of that version to date IMO)

Note: The 1/48th Eduard and Hobby 2000 kits utilize the Hasegawa plastic.


Completed build #74 - May 2004 using the 1/48th scale ERTL #8202 kit.


Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers

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